People displaced by the Wang Fuk Court fire braved the rain to return in batches to the seven blocks directly affected by last year's blaze for a second time starting on Thursday to salvage what they could.

Many of them turned up with suitcases, trolleys and backpacks, a month after their first return.

One of the residents, surnamed Lau, said she hoped to find items on behalf of her children this time.

"Last time, we retrieved valuables. This time we want to pick up things for the kids, such as their toys," she said.

"This incident has also had a major impact on children, not just adults, because they have no way of returning home again."

Lau said her children don't understand why they cannot return even though the flat wasn't damaged in the blaze.

Another resident, surnamed Ho, who had lived in the Tai Po residential estate since 1983, told RTHK that she wanted to bid farewell to her flat after it had been severely damaged.

She was asked which spot was the dearest for her.

"Every spot comes with memories," Ho said.

"As we, whether adults or children, have lived here for years, you will still treasure each area very much and want to take another look.

"This time, I will look even more closely at every spot. There isn't much we can take with us. But I just want to go up again and reminisce about everything."

Residents at Wang Yan, Wang Sun and Wang Tai houses can return to their homes during designated time slots till Saturday.

Wang Kin and Wang Cheong blocks will open between Sunday and Tuesday, followed by Wang Tao and Wang Shing houses from Wednesday to Friday.

Like with the first time, no more than four residents can go up to the flats and they can stay for up to three hours.


Edited by Edmond Fong